Observations on France:

I prefer taking care of important business "sans l'interruption de femmes"

I was in the men's room yesterday, taking care of important business; there were several other men there in different stages of taking care of the same important business as well. The door to the men's room opened and in walked a female custodian, making sure the towel feeders were working properly and generally taking care of the restroom. Fortunately, I was able to complete my important business without suffering from any "shyness", but it's a wee bit disconcerting when a woman walks in while you're trying finish taking care of business, especially when none of the other men in the room even notice.

Such is the strange nature of culture shock. It was more than a bit like one of those dreams where something is "off" but you seem to be the only one who notices or even knows.